Firefighters contain small Griffith Park fire

Jason Wells and Bill Kisliuk

A small brush fire that broke out at 5 p.m. Monday in Griffith Park was contained after it scorched about 5 acres, officials said.

Water-dropping helicopters were called in to assist with the blaze, which reportedly started near the northeast corner of the park before moving slowly uphill. The fire was visible from the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways as firefighters, including from Glendale and Burbank, worked in steep terrain to contain the blaze.

The fire snarled evening traffic as authorities closed down some freeway ramps and lanes for firefighter access. No structures were threatened, nor was the L.A. zoo, fire officials said.